A Surprising Haul

"During the Six Royals Ancestral Court's assessment at the edge of the world last time, several demons with Strange Blood were killed, and it's suspected that he was involved in all of them. This performance is seriously beyond the scope of the requirements!"

The Cui Household recently conducted an investigation, and some people looked grave.

It should be noted that Cui Chongxuan had been practicing the Six Imperial Heart Sutra for several years and was already Otherworlder; even he could only flee from that old demon.

"He had only been on the New Life Path for a few months then, how could he possibly overpower Chong Xuan, who had mastered the Six Royal Force Technique?"

Unless Qin Ming has mastered the legendary internal energy techniques, which he has no access to at all, Tathagata Force Jade Clarity Force!

The only Silk Scripture he was well-versed in was the silk manuscript, which he had been practicing since childhood. This was the product of the collaborative research of several Ancestor.

"How is that possible? Without a guide, no one can master the Silk Scripture."

"Nothing is set in stone. What if his talent is just that terrifying?"

There was a dispute within the Cui Household.

They then realized that Qin Ming had learned everything very quickly since childhood.

If someone hadn't misled him onto a path destined to fail, leading him to become engrossed in Silk Scripture, his other achievements would likely have been remarkable.

Looking back now, was it precisely because of their intervention that a monster was created?

"Hopefully we're wrong."

"I really shouldn't have let him practice Silk Book Method in the first place!"

Clearly, some people regretted it.

In the antique-style study, an elderly man with silver hair and a ruddy complexion sighed softly, "Such a good child, pushed away by you all."

He put down his teacup, tapped the table lightly, and said, "Since there's suspicion, then kill him as soon as possible."

"Someone is protecting him," a middle-aged woman said.

The old man's expression remained calm as he said, "If he's mediocre, he can be kept under control at Black White Mountain. But if he's extraordinary and already an adversary, what's the point of keeping him around?"

Some people nodded in agreement. If it weren't for Seventh Master Cui's intervention, Qin Ming would have died back then, and none of what followed would have happened.

The silver-haired old man took a sip of tea and said, "He's just a servant boy; a snap of the fingers will suffice. It's better to kill him sooner rather than later."

"With something as significant as Kunling, who wouldn't want Ruixue? If he's extraordinary, he should appear and give it a shot."

In the darkness of night, many exotic birds flitted about beneath the clouds; these were fast-flying Lightning Finch such as the lightning falcon and the Thunder Falcon, carrying important messages.

From the Aristocratic Clan and disciples of academies to major sects from all walks of life, as well as a large number of Rogue Cultivator, all from the Kunling Territory have come here.

Outside the Third Forbidden Land, shouts of battle rose from all sides, and the plateau under the cover of night was in complete chaos.

"You old fogies of the Third Realm, have some shame! Do you feel a sense of accomplishment harvesting the little demons of the First Realm?" A Diamond Parrot flew across the sky and shouted loudly.

A group of experts were furious. They all looked up, thinking, "Has this bird eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard?" and prepared to shoot it down.

The parrot, radiating Vajra Force, shone brightly in the night sky. It hurriedly shouted, "Everyone, these are the words of a Ancestor, I'm just repeating them. He said that by stealing kills like this, you not only gain nothing, but you also lose battle points and get no auspicious blood!"

Let alone the Ancestor's messenger, even a chicken at the Ancestor's doorstep would have to be called Phoenix. Who would dare to attack it? They all restrained their murderous intent.

On the plateau, the banners of the Millennium Aristocratic Family fluttered, masters from Beyond the Mundane streaked across the sky with their Consciousness Spirit Light, elites of the Esoteric Sect roamed freely, and numerous Rogue Cultivator fought bloody battles, their emotions running high.

Everyone rushed to participate, and the entire plateau was stained red with blood, as everyone vied for credit.

"Everyone, only those with Memory Crystal recording the decapitation scene count. Don't even think about secretly piling up the spoils and giving them to one person to exchange for Rui's Blood," someone shouted a reminder.

Bloodshed has broken out everywhere.

In fact, the demons were also launching a counterattack, and they were fearless and extremely brave, putting considerable pressure on all sides and causing many casualties on the battlefield.

But those on all paths remained confident. After all, their Ancestor had already dealt with the most powerful demon ancestors, such as the auspicious Auspicious Beast. Could the rest possibly cause any upheaval?

Those large organizations, as well as Rogue Cultivator, all have a psychological advantage: they know that their side will ultimately win.

Therefore, many people and horses fought with great enthusiasm, and blood stained the plateau red.

"How I miss those glorious years! Last time, during the Great Wilderness Campaign, we expanded our territory, drove out the invading Dark Clan, and carved through tens of thousands of miles. It was truly exhilarating!"

On the edge of the plateau stood several extremely old figures, all with expressions of reminiscence.

At that time, everyone was vying to make a name for themselves in the depths of the Night Mist World. Some brave men even led a small team deep into enemy territory, charging recklessly.

Many powerful Lineage rose to prominence through this method: seizing vast territories, achieving great feats, and reaping substantial rewards.

Each Great Opening brings forth new and powerful forces, and future geniuses rise to rival their Ancestor.

Now, many people who have witnessed the great battles on the plateau are looking forward to another Great Wilderness Expansion.

Some elders hope their Lineage will rise to prominence, while some powerful individuals harbor ambitions, seeking destiny in the depths of the night fog to become Grandmaster Level figures.

It can be said that everyone in the current Night Mist World wants to Great Opening, and they are almost forming a united force.

Therefore, the current scene, although it is only a preview, has already excited many people.

After the Diamond Parrot's shouts reminded the old guys to have some self-respect, the battlefield is now clearly divided, with each finding a suitable opponent, leaving many opportunities for the younger generation.

Qin Ming and Little Wu also entered the battlefield. Since the older generation stopped fighting over demons, their gains have increased dramatically.

At this moment, the two had separated, like two Flood Dragon parting the sea, cleaving through the wind and waves, rushing forward, and slaying demons one after another.

Behind them, a Golden Sheep, stronger than an ox or a horse, pulled an iron chariot, responsible for collecting the spoils of war for the two.

This is Jin Xiang, a graduate of the Mountain River Academy. He makes a living by pulling a rickshaw in Kunlun City, all for the sake of Mortal World Heart Tempering.

Today, it was hired by Qin Ming and Little Wu at a high price to be responsible for taking down demon heads, and occasionally it would use Memory Crystal to help the two of them record the details.

In the night sky, some elderly people stood on the backs of different Higher Aberrant Bird, looking down at the Blood-Red Plateau.

A man who looked to be in his forties or fifties laughed and said, "You guys on the New Life Path are no good. You're always just there to make up the numbers. I doubt you'll get many doses of auspicious blood this time."

"Not necessarily!" Yu Gensheng said.

He and Zhao Ziyuan were both here. Although they were both strong at the same level, the others were full of vitality and had the skills to preserve their youth, while the two of them were too old.

This is the true reality of reaching the end of the New Life Path; it's all about enduring the years, being much older than people of the same level, and not even peers.

"Is that so? Apart from the Tathagata, the Six Sovereigns, and the Sky-Pillar- Supporting lineage, I think the New Life Path is essentially cut off. There isn't a single outstanding New Life Evolver among the various universities in Kunling."

"We can't control other places, but we can discuss things with the universities in Kunling. Instead of wasting precious blood on hopeless paths, we should Heavenly Prodigy with enormous potential."

Clearly, some people are dissatisfied with New Life Path's performance.

Although Qin Ming was reserved, he was not exactly low-key. He didn't use the Five-Colored Light Wheel to protect himself, but he unleashed a variety of trump cards and fought his way through.

"A crisis has occurred fifteen miles ahead; some experts at the Second Realm have perished there," a strange bird reported from the night sky.

This battlefield is home to many spirit birds, who act as messengers, constantly delivering information.

Upon receiving the message, Qin Ming immediately accelerated, causing the surrounding vegetation to shake violently. The Yi Wood Essence surged, lifting him forward, allowing him to travel a great distance each time.

Along the way, any demons that blocked his path were swiftly killed by him.

Under the cover of night, the plateau was filled with shouts of battle, shadowy figures lurking everywhere. Demons and humans fought endlessly, staining some of the vegetation red.

"It's actually an Underground Palace?" Qin Ming exclaimed in surprise.

This place is inhabited by a family of demons. Their ancestors once included a very powerful giant demon, but they have long since declined. Now, there is only one old demon who has barely reached the Third Realm, but he is old, his body is decaying, and his vitality is severely lacking.

Even so, he was still terrifying, killing some people who dared to intrude.

"The old demon is finished! Let's join forces and kill him!" some of the youths shouted, their blood boiling with excitement, feeling they could slaughter a great demon of the Third Realm.

Qin Ming also agreed that they were right; the old demon was nearly rotten and could not hold on much longer.

He even felt that it would be enough for him to go up alone.

Soon, a bloody battle broke out. The group of teenagers were constantly bleeding, and some even fell to the ground. The prolonged attack failed to break through, causing a period of panic.

Qin Ming stepped forward and made a move from the crowd, nearly severing the old demon's shoulder with a single strike, leaving his entire arm hanging limply, bleeding profusely.

"I've eaten my fair share of people in my life, so even if I die now, it won't be a loss." The old demon grinned maliciously, his white hair and emerald green pupils flashing as he lunged forward to kill.

Puff!

He failed to injure Qin Ming and was instead struck again, his other arm almost severed.

"Okay, let's kill him together!" the other teenagers shouted excitedly.

Qin Ming drew his blade again from the crowd. The old demon, exhausted and unable to withstand the onslaught, had his head fly off, beheaded by the gleaming blade.

Someone shouted excitedly, "The old demon is dead! It's all over! This is a cave abode where giant demons once roamed. Everyone search carefully; there might be rare treasures!"

Someone said, "Brother, you deserve the most credit; the old demon's head is yours."

In fact, they did not realize the true strength of this newcomer. They all thought he was a fresh force, while the old demon himself was no longer capable, which was why he was able to kill him.

Qin Ming naturally intended to take the head.

However, someone stopped him, saying, "Many experts from my Li Household are here, and they have contributed greatly. It is not your place to behead them."

Someone came to claim credit.

Many people's expressions changed. Could it be the Li Household, that supposedly a family with the Quasi-Millennium Aristocratic Clan?

"There are only four of you. You only participated in the siege and didn't make any special contributions, right?" Qin Ming asked as he severed the old demon's head.

"Who said there are only four of us? There are many more people responsible for sealing off the main passages and exits of the Underground Palace." Five more people walked over.

Qin Ming sneered and ignored them. Anyone with eyes could see that they wanted to steal the credit. They had been wary of the old demon in the Third Realm and dared not come over, but now they were being aggressive.

"Put down the old demon's head!" someone from the Li Household said.

"I have Memory Crystal here, don't go looking for trouble," Qin Ming said coldly.

At the same time, a flash of light appeared, carrying a dazzling array of colors. The Heavenly Light Force shone on those people, causing them excruciating pain in their eyes and Consciousness Spirit Light as if it were about to burst into flames.

They were horrified and quickly retreated, not daring to stop them.

Qin Ming ignored them and moved with the speed and agility of a god, searching through the enormous Underground Palace.

The Underground Palace is very large, carved out of a natural grotto with many stone chambers.

There were just too many people coming in. After dealing with this group of demons, everyone was busy searching, so there probably weren't many good things left.

In addition, this demon Lineage had indeed long since declined, and there was nothing left to begin with.

Qin Ming and a group of people rushed into the clan's treasure vault, only to find it completely empty and pitifully barren.

"Hmm?" He picked up a black stone from a pile of rusty weapons.

It was as big as a washbasin, and its entire body was charred black, as if it had been struck by lightning.

During Qin Ming's Ninth New Life, his eyes mutated, surpassing even the Spirit Eyes. At this moment, his pupils were burning hot as he stared intently at what lay before him.

Instantly, he felt a sharp pain in his eyes.

Inside the dark stone, he saw a blinding flame.

"The Starfire Essence?!" Qin Ming was shocked.

In the past, he certainly wouldn't have known him.

He had seen this kind of thing when he was engrossed in the Immortal Dojo, and he had only seen it in one place. Even a small cluster of it was priceless.

Some of the Starfire Essence are variants of the Solar Fire Essence.

Qin Ming devised several models for his Outer Saint Path, one of which was the ability to One Thought, Daylight into One Thought, Night, requiring a ball of Solar Fire Essence.

However, finding such a thing in this foggy world is simply unrealistic, since even the Solar Yang has disappeared.

Now, he finds himself very close to one of his ideas, because he has found the most important "heterogeneity".

"The ancestors of this den of demons were indeed wealthy and powerful back then!" Qin Ming exclaimed, then found a secluded spot and stored the black stone into his Torn Cloth Space.

At that moment, he was overjoyed, and his face beamed with an undisguised smile.

"It was worth it!" Qin Ming felt that this was a pleasant surprise.

Even if he couldn't obtain the Auspicious Beast Blood, it didn't matter to him. In his eyes, this charred stone was a priceless divine object.

There were guards at the exit of the Underground Palace, blocking Qin Ming's way.

There were more than a dozen people in total. The leader seemed to have just arrived from afar. He wore a Bronze Mask, had a strong build, and held a Bronze Staff.

"Halt!" the Li Household shouted.

Qin Ming swung his blade directly, using the Heavenly Light Force to slash forward.

The tall, masked man made a move and actually blocked the light blade in Qin Ming's hand.

Both were surprised, not expecting the other to be so strong.

In the blink of an eye, the two launched a series of attacks, exchanging blows with lightning speed, leaving behind a large number of afterimages in the area as they fiercely fought.

Finally, the tall, masked figure was sent flying backward, coughing up blood, before Qin Ming strode away and disappeared into the night.

The Li Household family was completely dumbfounded. They knew their own family's strengths and weaknesses; how could they possibly lose?

Li Qingxu stood up, deeply hurt. A New Life Evolver had defeated him!

He's lost almost ten games in a row lately!

He accepted his repeated defeats in that Immortal Dojo, after all, those were ruthless individuals, all ancient prodigies. But today, he encountered a mere New Life Evolver here who had slashed him until he coughed up blood, leaving him completely bewildered.

"Qingxu, don't worry about it. After all, you temporarily used the extraordinary treasure to transform your Consciousness Spirit Light into the Heavenly Light Force, which changed your physical form and Divine Power. This isn't your true strength; it's just an accident," someone comforted him.

"It's alright, losing a few more times won't hurt." Li Qingxu sat on the ground, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

The Li Household family regretted their actions; they shouldn't have been greedy, and they shouldn't have fought so impulsively, which resulted in their clan's Immortal Seed suffering another defeat.

They knew very well what Li Qingxu had recently gone through.

If his Dao heart were damaged, none of them could bear the consequences.

Qin Ming felt that this plateau was a treasure trove and it was necessary to explore it carefully.

His performance thereafter became increasingly brilliant, stunning the battlefield.

"Among the New Life Evolver, several are quite suspicious and quite formidable. I wonder if he's among them." Someone from the Cui Household is closely monitoring this battlefield, responsible for gathering various information.

"If we're sure it's him, then let's help him make a name for himself. He's so low-key; I think many people will be interested in him without us even lifting a finger, like Cao Qianqiu."

I'll be taking a break this weekend with one chapter. Thank you all for your support.